An Open Letter To All Presidential Candidates In Ghana's December 2012 Election

Gentlemen,


I am writing  to bring to your attention the urgent need to protect the Atewa Range upland evergreen rain forest - and its huge eco-tourism potential that could be the basis for a thriving local green economy:  as well as    a shining  example of sustainable development that truly  benefits ordinary people.


An acquaintance of mine,   aware of my  relationship with  Greenheart Conservation and Carbon Trading & Trust,  upon hearing the ordeal some residents of Akyem Saamang had had to  go  through recently -  when they were assaulted  by men from what is effectively a private army for the promoters of  Solar Mining Limited  - asked me whether the government of Ghana was actually serious about tourism in Ghana.


It is a question you must all ponder over, gentlemen - and provide  answers  for the good people of Ghana:  in the speeches you make during your election campaign rallies across our nation.


Incidentally, I  also write to you on behalf of all those in the fringe-forest communities of Juaso, Saamang and Osino,  in Akyem Abuakwa, who are too terrified to speak out openly, against the powerful and wealthy rogues behind Solar Mining Limited - which has reversed into the bankrupt Kibi Goldfields of Ambassador Budu Saaka's  in the most duplicitous of fashions, in order to have perfect legal cover  to enable  it continue with,  and get away successfully,  with its perfidy and contumacy.


Gentlemen, at a time when global climate change is impacting our nation so negatively,  the political will to preserve the Atewa Range upland evergreen rain forest needs to be clearly  demonstrated by all the political parties in our country.


Designated a Globally Significant Biodiversity Area (GSBA),  and  from whence the headwaters of the three major river systems  which provide a large part of  southern urban Ghana with its  drinking-water supply, take their source  and flow, life as we know it will not be possible in future,  were we to  lose Atewa - as a result of the actions and inaction of Ghana's politicians.


Gold (and the proposed bauxite)  mining, as well as illegal chainsaw logging and hunting, pose the greatest risks  to the continued existence of this vital and unique upland evergreen rain forest.


If preserved, the Atewa Range upland evergreen rain forest  could be the basis for a thriving eco-tourism destination without compare,  in all of our homeland Ghana.


Indeed, as we speak, the global leaders  in the fabrication and erection of ziplines and the building of  forest canopy walkways, Greenheart Conservation, and its partners, Carbon Trading & Trust - and a number of angel investors they have brought on board -    are preparing to come to  Akyem Abuakwa Juaso.


Due here between the end of August and early September 2012, the purpose of their trip, is to prepare for  the start of a privately-funded project to turn part of  the P. E. Thompson Estate's private freehold nature-resource reserve into a world-class eco-tourism destination, with centrepiece attractions that include tree-house eco-lodges; ziplines; and a forest canopy walkway.


When completed, it will be a shining example of how large private landowners in rural Ghana, can partner the local communities they are an integral and vital part of,  to alleviate poverty,  and create  wealth that benefits local people on a sustainable basis.


Gentlemen, the question the ordinary people of Akyem Abuakwa,  who still care about what remains of their natural heritage,  and want it preserved as a climate-change amelioration measure,  to ensure their long-term survival, want you to answer,  is: Will a government led by the one amongst you who emerges as the winner of the upcoming December presidential election, protect the Atewa Range upland evergreen rain forest - by making  sure that all the recommendations made by the Conservation International Rapid Assessment Programme (RAP)  Bulletin No. 47,  for the management of an area designated a Globally Significant Biodiversity Area (GSBA),   are fully  implemented during his  regime's tenure?


Above all, given the vital eco-system services the area provides a vast swathe of southern urban Ghana, including providing our nation's capital with its drinking-water, do you all  agree that the Atewa Range upland evergreen rain forest,  ought to be preserved for present and future generations of Ghanaians - by making sure that all mining  is prohibited in the area and community-based eco-tourism becomes Akyem Abuakwa's main source of income:   underpinning a new green local economy?

I wish you all well in December. And may the one  with the best intentions for our country,  and all its people - not just a powerful and well-connected few with greedy intentions -  emerge victorious in  the presidential  election.


Tel: 027 745 3109.


Email: peakofi.thompson@gmail.com